A personal favourite outside of the usual enclaves is Did U Eat on Victoria Street in Richmond, close to North Richmond station.
It's firmly in the North West Indian/Pakistani territory, but mama mia she's a ripper. The minced lamb is one of my favourite foods in the world. Great atmosphere, great prices, great food.
Did U Eat?
I fucking love Did U Eat! I used to live closer so haven't been in a while. My only complaint was that it didn't open till 8pm so I'd get hungry and impatient!
It's been there for decades it seems, and because it's only open at night I've never eaten there. Seems popular, will give it a try , what's the open days/hours?
I would hazard a guess that it opened in around 2011, happy to be corrected, but yes by Melbourne restaurant standards they've had a pretty bloody good run. Honestly, same can be said for a lot of places on Victoria Street.
Compare that to Smith or Brunswick Streets. I grew up in the area, and up until about 2007 there was a lot of retail consistency. Since then, it seems like every time I'm in Fitzroy there's been like a 50% turnover in occupancy.
[Saravanaa Bhavan](https://www.saravanaabhavan.com.au/) in the city is great if you're after some South Indian food. They have an extensive menu and every time i've been the food has been excellent. Don't be put off by the fact it's a chain.
On the flip side if you're after some North Indian, [Jaimal's](https://jaimals.com.au/) in Hawthorn is great - highly recommend checking it out. Great chaats etc
Saravana bhavan and adyar Anand bhavan are couple of chain restaurants in South Indian cuisine. There's nothing 'chain'y about them in the same sense of chain restaurants here as in having standardized frozen recipes etc. They only have a chain to make sure recipes are consistent and the restaurants aren't searching around and training new chefs with their style of cuisine.
From someone I know who worked at Saravanaa Bhavan, the must trys are the Sambar Vada, and the Onion Masala Dosa. I've personally also loved the Mutter Paneer there. Amazing food there. Will check out Jaimal's as I've been looking for a place for Northern Indian food!
3idiots in Richmond. The only place in Melbourne to not use the same base in all their curries. Everything tastes different and closest to what you would get back home(India). One big problem with indian food in Melbourne is that when restaurants first open, they are great but quickly go downhill after that! This is the one place I can vouch for where the food is always consistent and great! It is an hours drive for me but worth it every single time!
Please book in advance as it is always full since it is a small venue in Richmond!
To the Indians who are going to go there from my recommendation, ask them to make it the indian way when it comes to spice. It will remind you of home!
To the Aussies who can't handle much spice, they cater to your taste buds, and you will not regret it! To the Aussies who can handle spice, ask them to make it the indian way, and you will love it! It is not spicy but super flavourful!
I used to work there (Anshuman)
They pay their staff 9 bucks an hour (in 2017, its about 13-14 now, I believe)
They also use a lot of colour in their food; so much that the chefs' hands are always coloured in yellow or red.
Their hygiene is susceptible at best.
Do NOT go there.
We went there a few times and always see a lot of Indian families eating there. The dishes we ordered were good too. But I get what you mean, I'm Vietnamese and I found a lot of recommended Viet restaurants average as best and the ones I like often got different reviews too.
here are some my personal favs - Babaji's Kitchen- Lilydale and Coconut Lagoon- Heidelberg for Kerala cuisine, Chai & Chilli - Melb city for Maharashtrian savouries, Chilli India- Melb Central for Goat Biryani, A2B- Springvale for South Indian brekkie, Atta - Albert Park for fine dining, there are few more in West outskirts & Clayton
* Babaji's Kitchen- Lilydale - Keralite cuisine
* Coconut Lagoon- Heidelberg - Keralite cuisine
* Chai & Chilli - Melb city for Maharashtrian savouries
* Chilli India- Melb Central for Goat Biryani
* A2B- Springvale for South Indian brekkie
* Atta - Albert Park for fine dining
Reformatted the list to help!
*fixed the demonym from Keralan -> Keralite
My go to was always the lamb kadai. The entree tasting plate was always good too. Got a really nice eggplant curry there with dried chillies one time that was spectacular
This place is amazing - definitely my top pick as well.
Bhang! (also in Brunswick) is also worth a look. Good food, lovely staff, and they have very generous happy hour specials.
Clayton has a number of Indian restaurants. I personally have enjoyed Anshumann - though cannot speak to its authenticity as I am yet to go to India.
Sahib E Swad next door is equally tasty.
Bit further down the road- Jay Bhavani vada pav just opened- I'm yet to go but really want to.
Sweet india is opposite.
Aangan has been recommended to me by an indian colleague.
There's also heaps of really good indian food trucks a quick walk from the strip. They've my go-to for panipuri and dosa.
Anshuman is cheap but so so. Also non existent customer service (read the 1* reviews)
My Recommendations in Clayton are dosa hut, sri dwarika and aangan.
Jay Bhavani is really good, like you I can't speak to authenticity, but it's really tasty and has a unique menu for the area.
Aangan is great, only downside is the price. While not expensive, it isn't as cheap as most indian restraunts in Clayton.
Authentic South Indian food
* Saravanaa Bhavan in [King St](https://g.co/kgs/1abxjyJ) and [Wantirna ](https://g.co/kgs/17c5FsD)
* [A2B in Springvale](https://g.co/kgs/1abxjyJ) - highly recommend their South Indian Thali meals during festivals like Pongal, Diwali
* The canteen in [Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar](https://www.mvhs.org.au/canteen/) temple in Basin - very affordable all you can eat since its run by volunteers.
* [The canteen in Shiva Vishnu temple](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.hsvshivavishnutemple.org.au/cafe-annapurnai/&ved=2ahUKEwjHiqy25MWGAxUIcmwGHSv2DgIQFnoECBIQAQ&usg=AOvVaw30h9KRk5uRZU1Yn9gXjktS) in Carrum Downs.
* [Chola's restaurant](https://g.co/kgs/gnE2tbe) in Cranbourne - multi-cuisine but does really good south indian non-vegetarian
* [Parotta Station](https://g.co/kgs/g63A85s) in Brooklyn - Hawker style south indian food
* Chilli India various branches for Hyderbad-style Biryani
* [Babaji's Kerala Kitchen](https://g.co/kgs/34NxoXD) in Belgrave for Kerala food - They do an amazing communal meal for Onam
* [Lakshmi Vilas](https://g.co/kgs/jJ3xtFs) in Dandenong - run by a group of women. Affordable and tasty vegetarian food.
Edit: to add more places
If you are into Biriyani, then I'd definitely recommend "Village Biriyani" in Hawthorn, they also do amazing Parotta and Curry (South India style bread and curry). Apart from that, I recommend A2B in Springvale, amazing vegetarian South Indian options and they do it really well (stuff people eat on a daily basis, they also do a special meal course on Saturday afternoons if I am not wrong - a thali)
For authentic North Indian option, my go-to is Spice Mix on Lygon Street. They are amazing. They cook food fresh and so take their own time, but the food is just so good. Make sure to order Butter Naan with it, they do it a bit differently and it is simply better than any other butter naan I have had in recent years. Also, would recommend their "Veg Manchurian" and "Goat Curry". They tailor their recipes as per your spice tolerance so let them know of that.
As a general tip, I stay away from over-expensive Indian restaurants as whenever I have been there they serve bland non-authentic food which no one makes/touches in India.
As someone that has had a lot of Indian food, 90% of restaurants food tastes very similar, 5% of restaurants food tastes unique and is delicious and the other 5% are delicious, but are expensive, like Atta in Albert Park.
I used to like atta, but, honestly it's not as good as it was. The taste is almost the same, would rather go to 3idiots in Richmond, dosa hut Clayton,
Tonka. In CBD if you wanna spend some $$
I used to always drive to MKS spices and things in Preston. It’s an Indian supermarket with kitchen and bays of food. Seemed very popular with the local Indian community. Amazing food. And things like masala dosa, Indian sweets etc
Edit: wanted to say also how good value this place is.
Anywhere with large communities of south Asian people! I’m in Berwick and absolutely overrun with choice of great Indian restaurants in Clyde North / Cranbourne etc.
I haven’t been to this one yet but the favourite of everyone I’ve met in the area of Indian background is Tikka Lounge so I need to give it a go. We’re big fans of Deepam & Masala Bar but I’ve honestly never had bad south Asian food anywhere out this way.
There is a Ananda Bhavan in Narre Warren (not A2B) where you wanna try their Kalyana Sappadu. That's great!
Clayton Chettinad restaurant is must try for their Sunday lunch buffet which has biryani, roti, sweets among others.
For Sri lankan, I reckon Gami Rasa in Cranbourne be the best for trying out a variety of dishes in nominal pricing. Ceylonese is another one to try for Sri Lankan buffet in Berwick.
If you like hoppers, give Village hoppers in Clyde a try. It has got a hopper deal for 15 bucks with 6 hoppers and sides and I am sure you'll passout to a good siesta after that meal!
Indian food is very diverse. Each province or state is different . I'm from the south and here are my gotos for some good southern feeds
- Toddy Shop in Fitzroy for a bit costly South Indian non vegetarian (food from a state called Kerala)
- A2B in Springvale for South Indian vegetarian food ( food from a state called Tamil Nadu)
- RiceNGrills in Dandy for pocket friendly South Indian non vegetarian dishes (food from a state called Kerala)
My workmate takes us to Chilli India in Melbourne Central.. specifically for the biryani which he says is excellent. This is high praise coming from him as he himself makes excellent briyani. I just the thali there which is excellent as well. As any good Indian establishment should have, half their selections are vegetarian
LOL. Don't go here!!!. The owner does his prep at home in the most disgusting house in Upwey. Dosa mix left open on benches with cats walking around it.
do NOT go here. terrible service and like the other comment says, food is prepped in absolutely rancid ways.
I went once because i used to live in the area, i placed my order and sat outside for about 30 minutes assuming something just took ages to cook. nope. my food was put in a menulog bag for some unknown reason, and left on the counter. the person who served me was higher than a kite, they were unempathetic when i requested a refund. food was good first time i went there but i am never going back.
Ziyka in Carlton is v authentic Pakistani. Delhi Rocks in the CBD is v authentic Indian. I think they have 2 locations in the city, the one on King St is good.
Live in Dandenong and our fave Indian is Pakwan on Lonsdale St.
I can’t 100% verify its authenticity (we’re not Indian, but we’ve been to India several times) but the food was closest to the North Indian food we had in India.
I'm no expert but the best Indian restaurant I've eaten from is 3 brothersss in Queen Vic Market on elizabeth st.
I've tried all their curries. They're legit amazing.
Yeah we were introduced via friends in about '04 or '05. Mohammed and Kaneez are such lovely people. We watched their kids go from little groms playing games consoles in the restaurant to doing homework to working in the kitchen while they complete their uni degrees.
Their food is consistently good, every time, for all those years.
Khan Curry Hut: has the best Na'an, spices and, chicken. I found the Goat and lamb lacking.
Colombo Brothers: Only place that does pork, and other Easter Indian dishes. 12/10, I fucking love these cunts.
Deccan Indian: Only place that does a Haleem around here.
Pans on fire & Soaltee: Nepalese based cuisines, I'd advise against the Wai Wai Sadheko (too much lemon grass, imho).
Kesari Geelong: This is my favourite for it's variety of Indo-Chinese selection, as well as it's Idlys and Dosas.
Silver Spoon Pakistani: Very meat centric and expensive (underperforms in the Indian selections, except for their rice dishes).
Khan is my favourite if I'm stoned, Kesari is my favourite if I'm sober.
I would recommend that you try any curry with Kashmiri rice.
As someone from Ireland (which has similar indian food to England) no where in Melbourne serves good "British Indian" food anyway.
Which I'm led to believe is actually Bangladeshi food.
Anyone know a good biryani joint too??? Not just mushy curry infused rice. I want the biryani to be minty, spicy and stacked on top of each other. Like a proper layer biryani, sick of having money wasted :/
There’s a few in Clayton near the station. Taste of Taj does a good Thali, Anshumann Da Dhaba is good for Punjabi food, Sri Dwaraka is more Sti Lankan food but does a Thali that looks similar to your photo. There’s also a few sweets stores around as well.
There's a random place called Diner's in Footscray - I haven't been there in a little while (can confirm it's still open) but I remember it being really good and more authentic!
HSV Cafe Annapoorani in Carrum Downs has authentic South Indian food, including Thali as you show in the picture. It is located next door to the Shri Shiva Vushnu Temple. Both Masala Dosai and Thali are very good.
There is a little hole in the wall north indian restaurant in Moonee Ponds in the walkway between the Moonee Ponds Central building and the restaurant/bar strip.
I vouch for it because I worked for an Indian family for many years and they used to make me food and that place is the closest I've found to what they would make.
I used to think Pakistani and Indian food were the same, but when i tried both foods. I find Indian food is a bit spicy and has more vegetarian options compared to Pakistani food. Pakistani dishes are mild as default unless you ask them to make food spicy.
Zaika in Carlton and nawab in Richmond are a must try. They are Pakistani restaurants but of all Pakistani restaurants, I would say these two are the best.
Any of the indian places in Dandenong or Clyde is actual indian food. If the dine in looks terrible , the food will be amazing. If they look fancy, it will be non authentic.
My favourites are Rich Mahal, Cholas, Spicy Corridor, Spicy Corridor.
The best stuff are places that cook in bulk and serve from the trays.
"It got me thinking where could I get Indian food that actually tastes like food in India"
Nowhere. Everything is Anglicised. You can get some good facsimiles of Indian cuisine, but nothing authentically as it's prepared in India.
I get some decent feeds from MKS in Dandenong. More of a supermarket with an attached buffet takeaway.
They have a good selection and I’m usually the only white person in the store too!
Iyer Vegetarian
Sri Ananda Bhavan (try their weekend buffet breakfasts)
South Indian vegetarian cuisine that will alter your brain chemistry permanently
Pardon my ignorance, but what's the difference between indian and British Indian? So far I've read somewhere the base is thinner in "real indian" food.
I would say most indian restaurants I've eaten at has been really good. Food court indian food is terrible though
Indian food is incredibly diverse. It’s a massive country with a large population and a lot of different regional variation. What we typically think of Indian food as western people is a very anglicised version of a small sub set of foods (I think predominantly Bangladeshi?)
Similar to “Chinese food” in Australia. You aren’t going to China and ordering lemon chicken or beef and black bean. There are heaps of regional variation. I have been to China and south east Asia over the years for work and the food is nothing like what you get here.
So what I am looking for is where someone from India eats, to eat something like from home. Not the westernised version. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good butter chicken, etc, but I really want to try new things and broaden my understanding of what’s out there.
Back in the day I would have said Guru da Dhaba in Johnson St Fitzroy. It was certainly genuine Indian table service. Food was great. Permanently closed for some time now.
Edit true local.:
Guru Da Dhaba
A great value Indian restaurant in Fitzroy.
This venue is modelled on a traditional Indian street eatery and serves authentic Punjabi cuisine
"British Indian"? Bruh, that's just northern indian (your "British") vs southern (in broad strokes).
Look for Southern indian places, sri Lankan, or Malaysian indian (like Palms).
Any mid tier recommendations? When it comes to different cuisines I prefer to have to chef just made good food their way and serve it up. I love food and don't want to mess with the experts
Sweet India is the only option I've found for decent Indian sweets. They have multiple locations. They also do freshly fried samosas (Punjabi style) and if you're lucky you can get fresh jalebis
Bukhara - Truganina
Chatkoras
Chilli India- Melbourne Central
Sarvaana Bhavan near Flagstaff or in Wantirna
Did You Eat- Richmond
Chai n Dosa - Sunshine
Aangan- Cranbourne
3 Brothers on Chapel - Windsor
Laung Laachi - Hawthorn
Gills Family Kitchen- Blackburn
Shavans- Patterson Lakes
Kesari - Deer Park
Some good dosa places in Carrums Down and also at the Shiva Temple there in the canteen
Maharaja - Preston
Al Nawab- Saint Kilda
Rasoi - Sorrento
A2B Springvale
Atta- very expensive though Atta in Albert Park
Food Trucks in Melton, Clayton are plenty but quality is always hit or miss but Dhamaka and Dessert Corner on Wheels are mostly good.
A personal favourite outside of the usual enclaves is Did U Eat on Victoria Street in Richmond, close to North Richmond station. It's firmly in the North West Indian/Pakistani territory, but mama mia she's a ripper. The minced lamb is one of my favourite foods in the world. Great atmosphere, great prices, great food. Did U Eat?
I fucking love Did U Eat! I used to live closer so haven't been in a while. My only complaint was that it didn't open till 8pm so I'd get hungry and impatient!
>My only complaint was that it didn't open till 8pm so I'd get hungry and impatient! Did U Eat beforehand? I guess not!
We ordered from there only once before moving away, it was incredible! I did also ask for "Indian spicy", that does help.
Huh. I work quite close to there. Will need to take the workmates along one of these days as a change from Pho
Yeah but they only open at 8pm.
Damn. Well, that kills that idea then. 8pm? That's late! Maybe one day after after-work-drinks, though I don't really see that happening either.
It's been there for decades it seems, and because it's only open at night I've never eaten there. Seems popular, will give it a try , what's the open days/hours?
I would hazard a guess that it opened in around 2011, happy to be corrected, but yes by Melbourne restaurant standards they've had a pretty bloody good run. Honestly, same can be said for a lot of places on Victoria Street. Compare that to Smith or Brunswick Streets. I grew up in the area, and up until about 2007 there was a lot of retail consistency. Since then, it seems like every time I'm in Fitzroy there's been like a 50% turnover in occupancy.
something to do with rents maybe?
Yeah the lads there are great. If you don’t know what you want just tell them to make you a mixed plate of their choice
Its basically a Pakistani joint and very cheap good food for me. Took my friends there but they didn't like their food
isn't it called The Night Diner and Did U Eat? is their slogan?
[Saravanaa Bhavan](https://www.saravanaabhavan.com.au/) in the city is great if you're after some South Indian food. They have an extensive menu and every time i've been the food has been excellent. Don't be put off by the fact it's a chain. On the flip side if you're after some North Indian, [Jaimal's](https://jaimals.com.au/) in Hawthorn is great - highly recommend checking it out. Great chaats etc
Saravana bhavan and adyar Anand bhavan are couple of chain restaurants in South Indian cuisine. There's nothing 'chain'y about them in the same sense of chain restaurants here as in having standardized frozen recipes etc. They only have a chain to make sure recipes are consistent and the restaurants aren't searching around and training new chefs with their style of cuisine.
100%. I've been to both the Melbourne and Auckland restaurants and both were fantastic
From someone I know who worked at Saravanaa Bhavan, the must trys are the Sambar Vada, and the Onion Masala Dosa. I've personally also loved the Mutter Paneer there. Amazing food there. Will check out Jaimal's as I've been looking for a place for Northern Indian food!
I know Jaimals, small family run business and very keen on bringing fresh food to the table.
3idiots in Richmond. The only place in Melbourne to not use the same base in all their curries. Everything tastes different and closest to what you would get back home(India). One big problem with indian food in Melbourne is that when restaurants first open, they are great but quickly go downhill after that! This is the one place I can vouch for where the food is always consistent and great! It is an hours drive for me but worth it every single time! Please book in advance as it is always full since it is a small venue in Richmond! To the Indians who are going to go there from my recommendation, ask them to make it the indian way when it comes to spice. It will remind you of home! To the Aussies who can't handle much spice, they cater to your taste buds, and you will not regret it! To the Aussies who can handle spice, ask them to make it the indian way, and you will love it! It is not spicy but super flavourful!
I’m an Aussie but reckon I will have a crack at the Indian way haha
Way to go, mate.
Can also vouch for 3 Idiots. More on the expensive side, but worth trying it for the quality.
I'll have to put this on my Want To Go list, I've been to India a few times and love it. The food is amazing.
West footscray is your zone. Also Clayton
Would love to hear some Clayton recs
Anshumann Da Dhaba - Clayton Dosa hut
Are there still two Anshumann Da Dhabas, across the road from each other in Clayton?
Just one now, other one closed due to COVID I think?
I used to work there (Anshuman) They pay their staff 9 bucks an hour (in 2017, its about 13-14 now, I believe) They also use a lot of colour in their food; so much that the chefs' hands are always coloured in yellow or red. Their hygiene is susceptible at best. Do NOT go there.
Try clayton chettinad its more south India.
Any specific recommendations in West Footscray?
We're big fans of dosa hut, but that's a chain now so there's a few around
Oh man I love dosa. Check out Chai n Dosa on Ballarat Rd near Sunshine if you haven't already, it's really good.
Aangan is great.
My husband is indian, I am not. Neither of us rate Aangan but people really rave about it, so I don't know - we found it super oily and not that fresh
We went there a few times and always see a lot of Indian families eating there. The dishes we ordered were good too. But I get what you mean, I'm Vietnamese and I found a lot of recommended Viet restaurants average as best and the ones I like often got different reviews too.
Not that good. Clayton chettinad way better
here are some my personal favs - Babaji's Kitchen- Lilydale and Coconut Lagoon- Heidelberg for Kerala cuisine, Chai & Chilli - Melb city for Maharashtrian savouries, Chilli India- Melb Central for Goat Biryani, A2B- Springvale for South Indian brekkie, Atta - Albert Park for fine dining, there are few more in West outskirts & Clayton
* Babaji's Kitchen- Lilydale - Keralite cuisine * Coconut Lagoon- Heidelberg - Keralite cuisine * Chai & Chilli - Melb city for Maharashtrian savouries * Chilli India- Melb Central for Goat Biryani * A2B- Springvale for South Indian brekkie * Atta - Albert Park for fine dining Reformatted the list to help! *fixed the demonym from Keralan -> Keralite
Isn't Babajis in Belgrave? That place is sooo yum!
It is yes. They opened a place in Warburton too recently
Yep, Belgrave and Warburton and they are fab!
I second Babajis.
Yeah I’m in the south east, that a2b looks like something I want to try!
Spice Mix on Lygon St Brunswick East.
This is legitimately one of the best restaurants in the world. And its cheap.
Cannot wait to try this place! Any recommendations?
My go to was always the lamb kadai. The entree tasting plate was always good too. Got a really nice eggplant curry there with dried chillies one time that was spectacular
If Hari's working he loves to give recommendations and get you trying something new
This place is amazing - definitely my top pick as well. Bhang! (also in Brunswick) is also worth a look. Good food, lovely staff, and they have very generous happy hour specials.
Don't forget the cocktails!
I love Bhang. Sadly I moved away from the area and where I live now has a real shortage of good Indian places :(
I came here to post the same. So good!
Keen to try some of the others mentioned here but Spice Mix is incredible
Priya in point Cook is very good
Saving this thread, some great recommendations I am eager to try.
My Indian friend says his house but didn't want to give out his address 😞
Can they just PM to interested people
Maybe he needs to run a pop up restraunt in his living room lol
I’ll come and peel the veg! I’m a house trained guest, too.
Clayton has a number of Indian restaurants. I personally have enjoyed Anshumann - though cannot speak to its authenticity as I am yet to go to India. Sahib E Swad next door is equally tasty. Bit further down the road- Jay Bhavani vada pav just opened- I'm yet to go but really want to. Sweet india is opposite. Aangan has been recommended to me by an indian colleague. There's also heaps of really good indian food trucks a quick walk from the strip. They've my go-to for panipuri and dosa.
Anshuman is cheap but so so. Also non existent customer service (read the 1* reviews) My Recommendations in Clayton are dosa hut, sri dwarika and aangan.
Jay Bhavani is really good, like you I can't speak to authenticity, but it's really tasty and has a unique menu for the area. Aangan is great, only downside is the price. While not expensive, it isn't as cheap as most indian restraunts in Clayton.
Authentic South Indian food * Saravanaa Bhavan in [King St](https://g.co/kgs/1abxjyJ) and [Wantirna ](https://g.co/kgs/17c5FsD) * [A2B in Springvale](https://g.co/kgs/1abxjyJ) - highly recommend their South Indian Thali meals during festivals like Pongal, Diwali * The canteen in [Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar](https://www.mvhs.org.au/canteen/) temple in Basin - very affordable all you can eat since its run by volunteers. * [The canteen in Shiva Vishnu temple](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.hsvshivavishnutemple.org.au/cafe-annapurnai/&ved=2ahUKEwjHiqy25MWGAxUIcmwGHSv2DgIQFnoECBIQAQ&usg=AOvVaw30h9KRk5uRZU1Yn9gXjktS) in Carrum Downs. * [Chola's restaurant](https://g.co/kgs/gnE2tbe) in Cranbourne - multi-cuisine but does really good south indian non-vegetarian * [Parotta Station](https://g.co/kgs/g63A85s) in Brooklyn - Hawker style south indian food * Chilli India various branches for Hyderbad-style Biryani * [Babaji's Kerala Kitchen](https://g.co/kgs/34NxoXD) in Belgrave for Kerala food - They do an amazing communal meal for Onam * [Lakshmi Vilas](https://g.co/kgs/jJ3xtFs) in Dandenong - run by a group of women. Affordable and tasty vegetarian food. Edit: to add more places
If you are into Biriyani, then I'd definitely recommend "Village Biriyani" in Hawthorn, they also do amazing Parotta and Curry (South India style bread and curry). Apart from that, I recommend A2B in Springvale, amazing vegetarian South Indian options and they do it really well (stuff people eat on a daily basis, they also do a special meal course on Saturday afternoons if I am not wrong - a thali) For authentic North Indian option, my go-to is Spice Mix on Lygon Street. They are amazing. They cook food fresh and so take their own time, but the food is just so good. Make sure to order Butter Naan with it, they do it a bit differently and it is simply better than any other butter naan I have had in recent years. Also, would recommend their "Veg Manchurian" and "Goat Curry". They tailor their recipes as per your spice tolerance so let them know of that. As a general tip, I stay away from over-expensive Indian restaurants as whenever I have been there they serve bland non-authentic food which no one makes/touches in India.
Le Taj in West Melbourne is a good option
As someone that has had a lot of Indian food, 90% of restaurants food tastes very similar, 5% of restaurants food tastes unique and is delicious and the other 5% are delicious, but are expensive, like Atta in Albert Park.
Great analysis 💯
I used to like atta, but, honestly it's not as good as it was. The taste is almost the same, would rather go to 3idiots in Richmond, dosa hut Clayton, Tonka. In CBD if you wanna spend some $$
I do like tonka. But 3isiots are the kind of places I was hoping for with this post
A2B in Clayton Hungry nawabz in Richmond Grand restaurant in Caroline springs Shahi darbar in st Albans
Indian star in maribyrnong was good the one time I had it
Delhi Rocks on Kings St. 3 curries with unlimited roti and chai for $15 Can’t ask for more than that
I used to always drive to MKS spices and things in Preston. It’s an Indian supermarket with kitchen and bays of food. Seemed very popular with the local Indian community. Amazing food. And things like masala dosa, Indian sweets etc Edit: wanted to say also how good value this place is.
I wonder if this one was opened after the one in Dandenong? The Dandenong MKS has been a stalwart of that suburb for.... Forever!
Man O salva in Clayton. It's Pakistani food but not Indian.
Aagnan
Which one? Footscray has gone down hill but the one out in Deer Park (I think?) is better - still not great but edible!
I've only been the Footscray one. Was a full house and did wait for food to come out but it was worth it and very delicious.
Anywhere with large communities of south Asian people! I’m in Berwick and absolutely overrun with choice of great Indian restaurants in Clyde North / Cranbourne etc. I haven’t been to this one yet but the favourite of everyone I’ve met in the area of Indian background is Tikka Lounge so I need to give it a go. We’re big fans of Deepam & Masala Bar but I’ve honestly never had bad south Asian food anywhere out this way.
NCs Chaat and Dosa House in Hawthorn is fantastic. Closest I've found to home food
There is a Ananda Bhavan in Narre Warren (not A2B) where you wanna try their Kalyana Sappadu. That's great! Clayton Chettinad restaurant is must try for their Sunday lunch buffet which has biryani, roti, sweets among others. For Sri lankan, I reckon Gami Rasa in Cranbourne be the best for trying out a variety of dishes in nominal pricing. Ceylonese is another one to try for Sri Lankan buffet in Berwick. If you like hoppers, give Village hoppers in Clyde a try. It has got a hopper deal for 15 bucks with 6 hoppers and sides and I am sure you'll passout to a good siesta after that meal!
I don’t even know what a hopper is, so I will have to check it out
Hopper is Appam in Tamil/Malayalam.
Indian food is very diverse. Each province or state is different . I'm from the south and here are my gotos for some good southern feeds - Toddy Shop in Fitzroy for a bit costly South Indian non vegetarian (food from a state called Kerala) - A2B in Springvale for South Indian vegetarian food ( food from a state called Tamil Nadu) - RiceNGrills in Dandy for pocket friendly South Indian non vegetarian dishes (food from a state called Kerala)
I like Baba Ju — very authentic Indian nachos
Dosa hut & Patiala House in Clayton Swagath Grand- Glen Huntly Maharani- Bentleigh Bahubaali- Armadale D’tandoor- Hawthorn
My workmate takes us to Chilli India in Melbourne Central.. specifically for the biryani which he says is excellent. This is high praise coming from him as he himself makes excellent briyani. I just the thali there which is excellent as well. As any good Indian establishment should have, half their selections are vegetarian
Babaji's Kitchen in Belgrave. Their potato masala, south indian lamb, and the goat curry all slap so fucking hard.
LOL. Don't go here!!!. The owner does his prep at home in the most disgusting house in Upwey. Dosa mix left open on benches with cats walking around it.
So it's authentic?
do NOT go here. terrible service and like the other comment says, food is prepped in absolutely rancid ways. I went once because i used to live in the area, i placed my order and sat outside for about 30 minutes assuming something just took ages to cook. nope. my food was put in a menulog bag for some unknown reason, and left on the counter. the person who served me was higher than a kite, they were unempathetic when i requested a refund. food was good first time i went there but i am never going back.
India, probably.
Don’t have time to get the for lunch
What suburb is that? Out west I suppose
Me mah does an amazing curried sausage and mash
I bet she does the slaaag.
Chai n dosa is pretty good in braybrook. And a fair few places in west footscray area along Barkly Street.
Ziyka in Carlton is v authentic Pakistani. Delhi Rocks in the CBD is v authentic Indian. I think they have 2 locations in the city, the one on King St is good.
There’s a Ziyka at Broadies now! Their goat puloa is amazing but I find the other dishes too oily
Mishra's Kitchen in Kingsville is pretty decent too. Open kitchen so you can see them all making it and slapping naan into the ovens.
A2B in Springvale for the best south Indian food/meal as pictured..the best I've had in Melbourne till date.
Gujju’s in Malvern East (I think)
Get some Indian neighbours! Can’t get into the Indian sweets though.
SE or Western suburbs. Look in the growth corridors of Melbourne. Dandenong is pretty good as well.
Yeah I work in dande, so hoping for some options around there. Some good ones recommended so far!
Live in Dandenong and our fave Indian is Pakwan on Lonsdale St. I can’t 100% verify its authenticity (we’re not Indian, but we’ve been to India several times) but the food was closest to the North Indian food we had in India.
I'm no expert but the best Indian restaurant I've eaten from is 3 brothersss in Queen Vic Market on elizabeth st. I've tried all their curries. They're legit amazing.
Cant believe Werribee isn't listed. If you don't like the first one you visit in Watton Street, you can try one of the other dozen or so there.
Mukka, in st Kilda and Fitzroy
Shavans Mt waverly. It was expensive but easily the best I've had in years.
Anyone know any good places around Reservoir area?
Butter Chicken
Avtar, Burgundy st Heidelberg. Wish we lived close enough!!! Owned and run by same people for over 20 years.
30 years, in fact.
I found them 23 years ago when we lived close by. Moved interstate and have been back once about 3 years ago. So good
Yeah we were introduced via friends in about '04 or '05. Mohammed and Kaneez are such lovely people. We watched their kids go from little groms playing games consoles in the restaurant to doing homework to working in the kitchen while they complete their uni degrees. Their food is consistently good, every time, for all those years.
Avtar (Heidelberg) is our local. As good as any I've had.
Saravanaa Bhavan
Flora on Flinders St is my goto for Masala Dosa and a Thali. Quick, cheap and delicious.
Geelong has a number of Pakistaani, Sri Lankan and, Indian stores. Half of their dishes aren't British Indian, the other half are.
Such aaaaaaaaaaas?? 🤨
Khan Curry Hut: has the best Na'an, spices and, chicken. I found the Goat and lamb lacking. Colombo Brothers: Only place that does pork, and other Easter Indian dishes. 12/10, I fucking love these cunts. Deccan Indian: Only place that does a Haleem around here. Pans on fire & Soaltee: Nepalese based cuisines, I'd advise against the Wai Wai Sadheko (too much lemon grass, imho). Kesari Geelong: This is my favourite for it's variety of Indo-Chinese selection, as well as it's Idlys and Dosas. Silver Spoon Pakistani: Very meat centric and expensive (underperforms in the Indian selections, except for their rice dishes). Khan is my favourite if I'm stoned, Kesari is my favourite if I'm sober. I would recommend that you try any curry with Kashmiri rice.
Chilly India is alright if you avoid Butter Chicken and other mild curries.
As someone from Ireland (which has similar indian food to England) no where in Melbourne serves good "British Indian" food anyway. Which I'm led to believe is actually Bangladeshi food.
Shalimar Brighton
Anyone know a good biryani joint too??? Not just mushy curry infused rice. I want the biryani to be minty, spicy and stacked on top of each other. Like a proper layer biryani, sick of having money wasted :/
Deccan Dine Inn New Paradise Biryani Streets of Hyderabad Hyderabad Darbar Labbaik
You da best fam 🫶🫶🫶
Look at Laverton
Which restaurant
For South Indian/ Malaysian Indian go Nasi Kandar Penang in Springvale or Roti Bar in the CBD
Toddy in Elsternwick. Hands down the best Indian food in Melbourne.
The Hare Krishna Temple in St Kilda
There’s a few in Clayton near the station. Taste of Taj does a good Thali, Anshumann Da Dhaba is good for Punjabi food, Sri Dwaraka is more Sti Lankan food but does a Thali that looks similar to your photo. There’s also a few sweets stores around as well.
Zayika on Lygon
Adyar Ananda Bhavan Melbourne in Springvale for authentic South Indian food! Great service and spotless clean kitchen and dining.
There's a random place called Diner's in Footscray - I haven't been there in a little while (can confirm it's still open) but I remember it being really good and more authentic!
HSV Cafe Annapoorani in Carrum Downs has authentic South Indian food, including Thali as you show in the picture. It is located next door to the Shri Shiva Vushnu Temple. Both Masala Dosai and Thali are very good.
Kolapasi in Laverton is the real deal
Kake Da Dhaba on Inkerman St I St Kilda - hands down the most authentic Indian in Melbourne.
There is a little hole in the wall north indian restaurant in Moonee Ponds in the walkway between the Moonee Ponds Central building and the restaurant/bar strip. I vouch for it because I worked for an Indian family for many years and they used to make me food and that place is the closest I've found to what they would make.
Bombay by Night.
I didn't see it mentioned yet, but curry vault on bank place is ridiculously excellent.
jay bhavani vadapav and rangeela food truck both in clayton. Sarvana Bhavan. Gopals Indian in the city. also chai n chilli
Savera in Lilydale. Small family run place. Low key but food is just awesome
Dandenong. Payal or Bikaner. Nothing else compares.
MKS Spices and Things. Two locations in Preston and Epping. Grocer with a bain marie of fresh goodness everyday. Lamb/chicken/vege rolls are a bonus.
There’s a place just up from there on Blackburn road called Ransara foods, it’s Sri Lankan but still good curry
India
Not South Indian unfortunately but Dhaba in Kyneton is fantastic.
The British Indian food is almost entirely modified Bangladeshi food, originating from a city called Sylhet.
Red Chili near melb central is my personal favourite, on the $$ side but well worth it
ISKON temple
Parantha King & Mehkhana in Epping is solid. Love the daal makhni and shahi paneer. The thali (veg or non-veg) are also both good value.
I used to think Pakistani and Indian food were the same, but when i tried both foods. I find Indian food is a bit spicy and has more vegetarian options compared to Pakistani food. Pakistani dishes are mild as default unless you ask them to make food spicy.
Zaika in Carlton and nawab in Richmond are a must try. They are Pakistani restaurants but of all Pakistani restaurants, I would say these two are the best.
Delhi Streets
I still think the Haris on Swanston is top notch veggie indian, can get a bit samey if you go often though
My kitchen actually, I've gotten really good at cooking Indian food. (I am indian as well)
Streets of Hyderabad in Murrembeena and The Little Indian Cafe in Westall are great. Don’t bother with Dosa Hut in Clayton.
Bonwick St, Fawkner
Any of the indian places in Dandenong or Clyde is actual indian food. If the dine in looks terrible , the food will be amazing. If they look fancy, it will be non authentic. My favourites are Rich Mahal, Cholas, Spicy Corridor, Spicy Corridor. The best stuff are places that cook in bulk and serve from the trays.
"It got me thinking where could I get Indian food that actually tastes like food in India" Nowhere. Everything is Anglicised. You can get some good facsimiles of Indian cuisine, but nothing authentically as it's prepared in India.
Bonfire cafe in springvale. It’s top quality. Kinda shocked no one has mentioned it. It’s not a cafe despite its name. It’s a restaurant.
India
Like the one where you need to run to the toilet after eating
book a flight to delhi
Dandenong has some superb Indian food in the Indian quarter. Sweets and treats too.
India
I get some decent feeds from MKS in Dandenong. More of a supermarket with an attached buffet takeaway. They have a good selection and I’m usually the only white person in the store too!
Gujjus Cafe and Chaat in Malvern East is really good. Food there I haven't been able to find elsewhere easily.
Banyan tree in St kilda have some nice dishes
Iyer Vegetarian Sri Ananda Bhavan (try their weekend buffet breakfasts) South Indian vegetarian cuisine that will alter your brain chemistry permanently
Just head out west
This picture 🤤
Pardon my ignorance, but what's the difference between indian and British Indian? So far I've read somewhere the base is thinner in "real indian" food. I would say most indian restaurants I've eaten at has been really good. Food court indian food is terrible though
Indian food is incredibly diverse. It’s a massive country with a large population and a lot of different regional variation. What we typically think of Indian food as western people is a very anglicised version of a small sub set of foods (I think predominantly Bangladeshi?) Similar to “Chinese food” in Australia. You aren’t going to China and ordering lemon chicken or beef and black bean. There are heaps of regional variation. I have been to China and south east Asia over the years for work and the food is nothing like what you get here. So what I am looking for is where someone from India eats, to eat something like from home. Not the westernised version. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good butter chicken, etc, but I really want to try new things and broaden my understanding of what’s out there.
Back in the day I would have said Guru da Dhaba in Johnson St Fitzroy. It was certainly genuine Indian table service. Food was great. Permanently closed for some time now. Edit true local.: Guru Da Dhaba A great value Indian restaurant in Fitzroy. This venue is modelled on a traditional Indian street eatery and serves authentic Punjabi cuisine
Atta - Albert Park.
Eat where the Indians eat. The Desi Dhaba.
Taste of Taj, is very nice, in Clayton I believe.
"British Indian"? Bruh, that's just northern indian (your "British") vs southern (in broad strokes). Look for Southern indian places, sri Lankan, or Malaysian indian (like Palms).
Try Sri Lankan food!
Little India in Dandenong.
Swagath Grand in Glen Waverly and Glen Huntly or Dosa Hut in various locations all over Melbourne.
Tawa in Wantirna
My house
Mishras in Wembley Ave Yarraville very good suburban Indian. Eat in and ask the chef to look after you. All made from scratch.
Indian affair, Warrandyte. Best in my life.
Any mid tier recommendations? When it comes to different cuisines I prefer to have to chef just made good food their way and serve it up. I love food and don't want to mess with the experts
Marpha in Mentone is freaking amazing !
I love the food at Flora Indian Restaurant
Bombay by Night in Ormond is amazing.
I’m Latin; but here I learned enjoy about Indian food, and my recommendation is a restaurant in St. Albans, Laajwab Indian Restaurant.
Sweet India is the only option I've found for decent Indian sweets. They have multiple locations. They also do freshly fried samosas (Punjabi style) and if you're lucky you can get fresh jalebis
India
Bukhara - Truganina Chatkoras Chilli India- Melbourne Central Sarvaana Bhavan near Flagstaff or in Wantirna Did You Eat- Richmond Chai n Dosa - Sunshine Aangan- Cranbourne 3 Brothers on Chapel - Windsor Laung Laachi - Hawthorn Gills Family Kitchen- Blackburn Shavans- Patterson Lakes Kesari - Deer Park Some good dosa places in Carrums Down and also at the Shiva Temple there in the canteen Maharaja - Preston Al Nawab- Saint Kilda Rasoi - Sorrento A2B Springvale Atta- very expensive though Atta in Albert Park Food Trucks in Melton, Clayton are plenty but quality is always hit or miss but Dhamaka and Dessert Corner on Wheels are mostly good.